Patna: Bihar’s ambitions to build a skilled and self-reliant workforce by 2047 took centre stage on Thursday as policymakers, administrators and experts convened for the National Skills Meet in Patna. Organised jointly by the Bihar Skill Development Mission (BSDM) and Bihar Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (BIPARD), the event was themed “Skills to Prosperity: Bihar’s Journey till 2047” and aimed at making skill development accessible, inclusive and outcome-oriented.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, Development Commissioner of Bihar Pratyaya Amrit, Principal Secretary of the General Administration Department Dr B Rajendra, Magadh Division Commissioner Dr Safina, and BIPARD Director General K.K. Pathak.
In his opening address, Professor B. Venkatesh outlined the objectives of the event. K.K. Pathak presented detailed plans for the upcoming BIPARD Skill Park, followed by a joint presentation by BSDM and BIPARD titled “Bihar 2047: Skills and Opportunities for All”, which laid out the state’s vision for equipping its youth with future-ready skills.
An MoU was also signed between BSDM CEO Deepak Anand and Bhubaneswar SDE to strengthen partnerships in vocational training.
Addressing the gathering, Subrahmanyam underscored the importance of value-added and technology-driven training in agriculture. “Skill development must become central to our growth strategy. With an average age of just 28, India is the world’s youngest country, and it is crucial we build the right ecosystem to match this demographic dividend,” he said.
Officials described the event as a crucial step in transforming Bihar into a hub of skilled manpower, fostering both economic prosperity and social empowerment.
